Are you considering switching to a nursing career, from a different background?
Thankfully, it’s possible to enter the noble nursing field, without the burden of going through another traditional degree.
With accelerated BSN programs for non-nurses, you can become an RN in as few as 12 months!
In this article, we highlight 15 of the best accelerated BSN programs for non-nurses today across the country. Some of the ABSN programs allow for coursework to be completed online.
15 Best Accelerated BSN Programs for Non-Nurses Today
1. Emory University Distance Accelerated BSN
Program Overview
The Emory Distance ABSN program is a one-year, full-time program, divided into three semesters and requiring the completion of 48 credit hours. Using a blend of real-time and recorded online content, it allows you to pursue your nursing degree from virtually anywhere in the U.S.
NB: This program is specifically designed for students outside the Atlanta metro region. If you plan to work within the Atlanta metro region, you should apply to Emory’s on-campus Master of Nursing (Pre-Licensure Program).
Duration: 12 months
Format: Online Coursework
Location: Atlanta, GA.
The Emory Distance ABSN program begins thrice a year- in August, January, and May- making it easier for you to find a start time that aligns with your schedule. An attractive feature of the program is its small class size. It’s capped at a maximum of 30 students to ensure personalized attention.
Clinical Experiences
The Emory DABSN program provides an opportunity to gain clinical experiences near your home, with a clinical faculty site visitor assigned for support. Rest assured, Emory handles the identification of clinical sites and student placement arrangements.
The Emory Distance ABSN Prerequisites
Before applying to the program, ensure you’ve completed the following prerequisite courses with a grade of ‘C’ or higher:
- General Chemistry I with lab
- Human Anatomy & Physiology I with lab
- Human Anatomy & Physiology II with lab
- Microbiology with lab
- Nutrition
- Introductory Statistics
- Human Growth and Development or Life Span Development
Cost of Attendance
The tuition of the Emory Distance ABSN program is $1,656/hour, putting the total cost at approximately $78,000. For the latest rates, check here.
What We Like
- There are 2 required clinical intensive sessions held on Emory’s Atlanta campus. And Emory helps offset your travel and accommodation expenses for these campus visits!
- Emory is one of the top universities in the country! So, your BSN will definitely stand out.
2. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Accelerated BSN
Program Overview
This UNC accelerated BSN program is designed to fast-track your nursing education, enabling you to earn your nursing degree swiftly, in about 16 months. The program spans 4 semesters, providing a rapid route for you to obtain your nursing degree.
Unlike other programs, this is not an online course. It offers in-person instruction and clinical practice.
Duration: 16 months
Format: On-campus
Location: Chapel Hill, NC
Real-World Experience: Clinical Rotations
Part of your learning journey will involve clinical rotations. These are held at various healthcare locations in Orange County, where UNC at Chapel Hill is based, and neighboring counties. This hands-on experience is crucial to your development as a future nurse.
UNC Nursing Acceptance Rate: Standing Out in Your Application
UNC Chapel Hill is highly competitive.
Typically, the UNC Accelerated BSN program receives between 200-300 applications each year, with 104 students being admitted each summer. This competitive nature makes it all the more important for you to ensure your application stands out from the crowd- your application needs to shine!
Consider highlighting your community service history, unique skills, and abilities that could contribute to the nursing profession. An articulate descriptive essay and a robust academic history, particularly in required science courses, are also vital.
Demonstrating your commitment to the ideology of nursing and service to others can also give you an edge.
Prerequisites
To apply for the UNC Chapel Hill ABSN program, you need to have completed courses in Anatomy, Physiology, Microbiology, Statistics, and Introduction to Psychology.
You should have a GPA of at least 3.0 in key science courses and a grade of B- or better in specific Biology courses and a C or better in specific Psychology and Statistics courses.
Completion of a full Anatomy and Physiology sequence is also required. More about prereqs here.
Cost of Attendance
The total cost of attendance for in-state students is $25,039. For out-of-state students, the cost rises to $66,961. Check the latest costs here.
Check out a past student’s UNC ABSN experience:
3. Texas Tech Accelerated BSN
Program Overview
Texas Tech Accelerated BSN, or Accelerated Second Degree in Nursing, is for those who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field. This program is a unique blend of online education and hands-on clinical training.
It’s a comprehensive package that takes just 12 months to complete. In this accelerated format, you’ll be earning 61 semester credit hours. Think of it as a fast track to launch or pivot your career in the healthcare industry.
Duration: 12 months
Format: Online Coursework
Location: Lubbock, TX
Engaging Online Classes & Clinical Instruction
The core of the program revolves around online coursework, which allows you to learn at your convenience. But, there’s more to it. The program pairs you with clinical coaches and nursing faculty who guide you through the clinical aspects of nursing.
This dual approach ensures you’re learning theory and getting practical experience to prepare for real-world scenarios.
Localized Clinical Hours Oversight
An exciting aspect of this program is that clinical hours are supervised within your own community.
The locations for this program are not just limited to a single city. Whether you’re in Abilene, Amarillo, the Austin-Hill Country area, Dallas, Lubbock, or the Permian Basin, Texas Tech has got you covered.
This local oversight allows you to apply your learning in familiar settings, fostering a deeper connection with your work.
Here’s a nurse’s experience with the Texas Tech Accelerated BSN program
4. Seton Hall University Accelerated BSN
Program Overview
The Seton Hall Accelerated BSN is 14 months long- fast enough to pivot your career into nursing swiftly and efficiently. It is a dynamic yet detailed 4-semester long program with 62 credits.
Duration: 14 months
Format: On-campus
Location: Freehold or Nutley, NJ
The Seton Hall ABSN will prepare you to practice nursing in various settings, be it ambulatory care, community-health agencies, acute care, or long-term care facilities.
Choose Your Campus
The Seton Hall program offers flexibility with two locations for you to choose from. You could opt for the Freehold location, which starts in Fall, or choose the Interprofessional Health Science Campus in Nutley for a Spring start.
Impressive NCLEX Pass Rate
Seton Hall had a 100% NCLEX Pass Rate in 2022- an impressive achievement that goes on to show why it has one of the best accelerated BSN programs for non-nurses.
Prerequisites
Before commencing your nursing journey, you’ll need to complete several prerequisite courses:
- Human Anatomy and Physiology I & II with labs (8 credits)
- Organic Chemistry with lab (4 credits)
- Microbiology with lab (4 credits)
- Statistics (3 credits)
- Nutrition* (2 credits)
- Developmental Psychology (3 credits)
- Ethics (3 credits)
Tuition
The tuition cost is $23,190 per semester. However, for the most current tuition rates, check out Seton Hall’s official tuition page.
5. Stony Brook University Accelerated BSN
Program Overview
Stony Brook University offers an impressive opportunity for non-BSN graduates to shift gears and step into the healthcare sector with its 12-Month Accelerated BSN program- one of the quickest accelerated BSN programs for non-nurses in New York.
Consisting of 69 total credits, the curriculum is tightly packed but comprehensive, ensuring you emerge fully prepared for the challenges of the nursing profession.
Duration: 12 months
Format: In-person
Location: Stony Brook, NY
Prerequisites
You need to have earned grades of “C” or higher in the following prereqs:
- English Composition (3 Credits)
- Microbiology/Lab (4 Credits)
- Anatomy and Physiology I/Lab (4 Credits)
- Anatomy and Physiology II/Lab (4 Credits)
- Chemistry (3 Credits)
- Statistics (3 Credits)
- Lifespan Development (3 Credits)
Tuition
Check Stony Brook’s latest tuition rates on their official website.
6. New York University Accelerated BSN
Program Overview
The 15-month NYU ABSN program is a stellar choice if you’re looking to fast-track your path into nursing at one of the nation’s top institutions.
The program requires full-time study spanning 4 consecutive semesters, with the flexibility to start either in the fall (September) or spring (January).
This swift, yet intense format ensures that you receive the same quality education as a traditional nursing program but within a condensed timeframe.
Duration: 15 months
Format: On-campus
Location: New York City, NY
Prerequisites
Before you dive into the accelerated curriculum, NYU requires you to complete a set of prerequisite courses: nutrition, chemistry (with lab), statistics, anatomy and physiology (I and II), microbiology, and developmental psychology.
Tuition and Fees
The tuition stands at $29,084 per semester, and you can check out the latest rates on their official website.
What We Think
An NYU education is definitely prestigious and high quality. However, the cost of attendance will set you back north of $100,000. While there are available scholarships, choose wisely.
7. Baylor University Online Accelerated BSN
Program Overview
The Baylor Online ABSN program is a rigorous, full-time program that prepares you to get into the nursing field in under a year. You’ll be completing 62 hours of nursing coursework.
This comprehensive program equips you with the knowledge and practical skills required in the ever-evolving healthcare industry in Texas.
Duration: 12 months
Format: Online Coursework
Location: Waco, TX
A Blend of Online and On-Site Learning
Though the program primarily takes place online, there are also valuable on-site components. This includes two mandatory on-campus visits and clinical experiences.
Apart from these field-based learning opportunities, the rest of your ABSN coursework is delivered entirely online, providing you with the flexibility to balance your studies and personal life.
Geo Considerations
Currently, this program is specifically designed for Texas residents living outside the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) metro area.
If you reside within Dallas, Tarrant, Collin, and Rockwall counties, Baylor recommends applying to the on-campus accelerated FastBacc® program at the Louise Herrington School of Nursing in Dallas.
Assistance with Clinical Placements
Good news! The school collaborates with you to identify clinical sites and preceptors for your clinical rotations. This hands-on experience could potentially lead to employment opportunities after graduation, giving you a head-start in your nursing career.
Baylor ABSN NCLEX Pass Rates
Baylor Online ABSN program boasted a 96% first-time pass rate for the NCLEX in 2021. This impressive success rate underscores the program’s commitment to ensuring its students are well-prepared to excel in their nursing careers.
8. University of Massachusetts Boston Accelerated BSN
Program Overview
The UMass Boston Accelerated BSN is an online program that allows you to become a BSN registered nurse in just 12 months, making it one of the shortest accelerated BSN programs for non-nurses in Massachusetts.
Duration: 12 months
Format: Online Coursework (primarily via the Blackboard platform)
Location: Boston, MA
The UMass Boston Accelerated BSN program consists of 12 courses, totaling 52 credits. To ensure flexibility and accessibility, there are three admission periods – Summer, Fall, and Spring, with approximately 42 seats available for accelerated students in each cohort.
Key Program Outcomes
This program teaches you how to use proven nursing methods to help people with long-term and short-term illnesses. You’ll learn how to handle complicated health problems for individuals and families of all ages.
The UMass Boston Accelerated BSN Prerequisites
They are:
- Anatomy and Physiology I (4 credits)
- Anatomy and Physiology II (4 credits)
- Microbiology (4 credits)
- Lifespan Growth and Development (3 credits)
- Nutrition (3 credits)
- Social Behavioral Science Elective (3 credits)
- Statistics (3 credits)
Tuition
Tuition for the UMass Boston Accelerated BSN program is $577 per credit. For the most current rates, visit the program’s website below.
Related: Pros and Cons of Accelerated Nursing Programs
9. Valdosta State University Accelerated BSN
Program Overview
The Accelerated BSN program at Valdosta State University spans 4 semesters, getting you from enrollment to graduation in approximately 15 months.
The program runs annually from May, continuing through the summer, fall, spring, and concludes the following summer.
Duration: about 15 months
Format: On-campus
Location: Valdosta, GA
In each semester, you’ll be taking on 15 credit hours of study.
Prerequisites
Before embarking on this accelerated BSN program, you’ll need to have completed prerequisite courses- including two lab sequences, a course in Statistical Methods, and a selection of health-focused courses in Anatomy and Physiology, Microbiology, Pathophysiology, and an Introduction to Human Development.
Cost of Attendance
The estimated cost of attendance for one semester is roughly $8,501 for in-state students, and about $15,410 for out-of-state students. See the latest costs & fees here.
10. UTHealth Houston Accelerated BSN
Program Overview
The UTHealth Houston Pacesetter Accelerated BSN lets you earn a BSN degree in just 15 months.
Duration: 15 months
Format: Online Coursework
Location: Houston, TX
This 60-credit program is spread over 4 semesters. It allows you to attend both online and on-campus. With fall, spring, and summer start dates available, the Pacesetter ABSN offers multiple opportunities to jumpstart your nursing journey when it suits you best.
Learn from Practicing Nurses
What makes UTHealth Houston special is that many of the classes are taught by practicing nurses. These experienced professionals bring real-world insights to your education, ensuring you’re well-equipped to handle the demands of the field.
Diverse Clinical Opportunities
Right from your first semester, you’ll engage in over 900 hours of clinical experience. This hands-on training is complemented by diverse clinical opportunities in the Texas Medical Center and throughout the Houston area.
Prerequisites
You’ll need to complete these prereqs:
Foundational classes in American and Texas Government, U.S. History, Psychology, Sociology, Human Growth & Development, Statistics, Anatomy & Physiology, Microbiology, Chemistry, Nutrition, English, Intro to Philosophy, and Visual & Performing Arts.
You’ll also need five credit hours from college-level elective courses.
Tuition and Fees
The estimated tuition and fees for residents is $26,743.31- clearly making this one of the most affordable accelerated BSN programs for non-nurses.
Non-residents should budget for approximately $76,423.31. See latest costs here.
11. Loyola University Chicago Accelerated BSN
Program Overview
The Loyola University Chicago Accelerated BSN program will get you a BSN degree in a swift 16 months. Spread over 4 semesters, this program is carefully structured to provide rigorous training and education.
Duration: 16 months
Format: Online or On-campus classes
Location: Downers Grove or Maywood, Chicago, IL
Learning Format: Online or On-campus
Loyola’s ABSN program is flexible, offering two unique formats to align with your learning style.
The first option is the ABSN track at Downers Grove, where your courses are taken online. You’ll still regularly attend the site for hands-on nursing skills labs and nursing simulations, ensuring you receive a well-rounded education.
For those who thrive in a real-time, face-to-face learning environment, the ABSN program track at Maywood Health Sciences Campus will be an ideal fit. Here, all classes, nursing skills labs, and nursing simulations are conducted on campus.
Clinical Rotations
From the 2nd semester, you’ll delve into clinical rotations in various areas of nursing practice such as Adult Health, Community Health, Family Health, Medical/Surgical Nursing, and Mental Health. You’ll work alongside an instructor and 7 peers, honing your skills and gaining invaluable experiences.
Prerequisites
You can apply to the ABSN program with some prerequisites in progress, but they must be completed before you start the nursing program.
These prerequisites range from science courses like Organic Chemistry, Anatomy and Physiology, Microbiology, to non-science courses including Introduction to Psychology, Developmental Psychology, English, History, and Statistics.
Tuition and Fees
The Loyola Chicago ABSN program’s tuition and fees amount to $63,680. Check the latest rates here.
12. UT Health San Antonio Accelerated BSN
Program Overview
With a focus on promoting health as an act of social justice, the UT Health San Antonio Accelerated BSN program could be your springboard to a rewarding nursing career. This program is intensive and designed to be completed in just 15 months of full-time study.
Duration: 15 months
Format: On-campus
Location: San Antonio, TX
This isn’t an online course – all components of the program, from BSN courses and clinical rotations to labs, are conducted in-person, at the San Antonio campus.
The program prepares you for generalist nursing practice across a broad range of pre-licensure competencies. The focus is on improving lives by promoting health, underpinned by a strong commitment to social justice.
This approach ensures you’re well-equipped to make a meaningful difference in your future nursing role.
Prerequisites
These include:
- College Algebra (or higher)
- Elementary Statistical Methods
- Chemistry I and II (No lab required)
- Anatomy & Physiology I & II with Labs
- Microbiology with Lab
- Human Nutrition
Tuition
You can find the latest tuition rates and fees here.
13. College of Mount Saint Vincent Accelerated BSN
Program Overview
This intensive accelerated program allows you to earn your BSN in as little as 16 months. The curriculum spans 4 semesters. You’ll receive the same stellar instruction as students in a traditional BSN program, but in an expedited mode.
Duration: 16 months
Format: On-campus
Location: Riverdale, NY & Queens, NY
Flexible Start Dates
Adding to its convenience, the ABSN program offers three start dates each year: January, May, and September.
Comprehensive Learning Experiences
The College of Mount Saint Vincent ABSN program is threefold: theory, labs, and clinical rotations. You’ll first delve into key nursing theories via fast-paced coursework.
Next, you’ll put these theories to the test during on-site labs at the school’s NYC ABSN program sites in Riverdale and Long Island City.
Finally, starting in your first semester, you’ll put your knowledge and skills into action during clinical rotations at leading healthcare facilities.
Prerequisites
Before starting the College of Mount Saint Vincent ABSN program, you’ll need to have completed the following prereqs:
- General Chemistry
- Anatomy and Physiology I and II
- Microbiology
- Psychology Across the Lifespan
- College-Level English Language (college writing course)
- College-Level Mathematics (statistics or calculus)
Tuition and Fees
Tuition and fees is $65,000 for the entire program. Find the latest rates on the program’s tuition page.
14. Rutgers University Newark Accelerated (Second Degree) BSN
Program Overview
This 4-semester program, designed to provide a rapid transition into the nursing field, accepts students for both spring and summer admission.
The program is based at Rutgers’ Newark campus, offering 63 credits of nursing coursework. As an accelerated program student, you’ll be required to commit to 14 months of full-time study.
Duration: 14 months
Format: On-campus
Location: Newark, NJ
Clinical Experience
Rutgers boasts over 200 clinical partnerships throughout New Jersey. These partnerships give you an invaluable opportunity to apply what you’ve learned in a real-world setting.
While classes are typically held during the day, your clinical experiences could be scheduled for the day, evening, or even on weekends. So make sure you have reliable transportation to commute to clinical sites.
Rutgers Newark ABSN Prerequisites
Before you jump into this accelerated BSN program, you’ll need to have completed the following prereqs:
- Anatomy and Physiology I w/ Lab
- Anatomy and Physiology II w/ Lab
- Microbiology w/ Lab
- Organic Biochemistry or General Chemistry II
- Nutrition – a course focusing on nutrients and their functions in the human body throughout the lifecycle
- Statistics – a descriptive and inferential statistics course
- Life Span: A Holistic Approach or Developmental Psychology (The course must cover the entire human lifespan, from newborn to elderly)
- General Psychology
- Introduction to Sociology
Tuition
In-state tuition per semester is pegged at $7,550.00, while out-of-state per semester tuition stands at $13,311. Be sure to check out Rutgers’ tuition page for the most up-to-date information.
15. Duke University ABSN Program
Program Overview
The Duke ABSN program is a full-time, campus-based course designed for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. In just 16 months, you can earn your nursing degree.
The program consists of 58 total credit hours, including 6 elective credits. It also boasts small class sizes that enhance your learning experience.
Duration: 16 months
Format: On-campus
Location: Durham, NC
Clinical Placements
As part of your education, you will participate in clinical placements. These are assigned based on a variety of factors, including the learning objectives of the course, site characteristics, and availability.
Be prepared to travel up to an hour from campus to these sites, and you will likely have schedules in the evenings, nights, and weekends.
Duke ABSN Prerequisites
These include Human Anatomy and Physiology, Microbiology, Basic Statistics, and Human Growth and Development or Developmental Psychology. For all these courses, a minimum grade of C is required.
However, for Human Anatomy and Physiology, and Microbiology, a B- or higher grade is necessary.
Although not mandatory, undergraduate coursework in Nutrition is strongly recommended.
Duke Nursing Acceptance Rate
Duke University’s ABSN program is highly competitive, with acceptance rates estimated to range from 20% to 40%. We’ve reached out to Duke University’s School of Nursing for more precise figures and will update you once we have this information.
Licensure Requirements: Good News!
One of the great benefits of Duke’s ABSN program is that it meets the educational requirements for professional licensure as a registered nurse across ALL U.S. states, territories, and the District of Columbia. This broad acceptance gives you the flexibility to practice nursing anywhere in the U.S. Yay!
Tuition
The tuition cost for the Duke ABSN program is $25,258. Check the latest figures here.
Wrapping Up- Accelerated BSN Programs for Non-Nurses
With demand for qualified RNs soaring across the country, especially after the pandemic, it is an ideal time to become a nurse.
And though annual salaries vary depending on your location, you can expect to make a median annual income of about $77,600, according to the Bureau of Labor statistics.
By settling on any of the above accelerated BSN programs for non-nurses, you can quickly transition into a hopefully long & rewarding nursing career.
What is an accelerated BSN program?
An accelerated BSN (ABSN) program is a fast-track educational route designed for individuals who already have a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field and wish to transition into nursing in as little as 1 year. Typically, these intensive programs can be completed in 12 to 18 months.
What is the fastest you can get ABSN?
12 months or 1 year.
Disclaimer:
- Information on these programs may change without notice. So, we cannot guarantee their authenticity and accuracy. You’d have to check with the school and do further research. Our review list is simply for guidance and cannot be relied upon exclusively without research on your part.
- Before enrollment, check with your state regarding licensing rules or whether your desired program meets your home state’s certification requirements and licensure.
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